Friday’s library snapshot …

This little book landed on my desk ; in need of a little tlc.  It is called the Song of songs which is Solomon’s illuminated by Owen Jones.  I know nothing about it and a little about Owen Jones (1809-1874) an English born Welsh architect. He was considered a versatile architect and designer. He was among the most influential design theorists. He contributed to the modern colour theory and his concepts on flat patterning and ornament are still valid with contemporary designers today.  

He is remembered for his studies of Islamic decoration at the Alhambra and his drawing which were at the forefront of he new standards in chromolithography.  

Jones was involved in the formation of the South Kensington Museum that went on to become the V&A.

Jones was also responsible for the interior design for the Great Exhibition of 1851 and its later incarnation at Sydenham. Owen Jones’ work the Grammar of ornament ; the global and historical design source book is perhaps  his masterpiece.  

Jones is remembered for his search for a modern style unique to the 19th century that was starkly divorced from the art of neo-classicism and the Gothic revival and inspired as we see by Islamic World.